Full Breakdown
Tragic Murder-Suicide at Minnesota Home Daycare Leaves Four Dead, Six Children Unharmed
8/13/2026, 11:46:04 AM
What Happened on August 12, 2026
On the morning of August 12, 2026, police responded to a report of a stabbing at a home-based daycare in the 200 block of Tyler Avenue North in Hopkins, Minnesota. Inside the residence, investigators found a 41-year-old man dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, his 41-year-old wife and their 7-year-old daughter dead from stab wounds. The victims were identified as members of the same family. Six other children who were present in the daycare were unharmed and were later reunited with their families.
Later that day, officers in Burnsville, Minnesota, discovered a 78-year-old woman stabbed to death in a residence on Maple Island Road and Joplin Avenue. Police said the woman was a close relative of the suspect identified in the Hopkins incident. Both investigations remain active and are being coordinated between Hopkins and Burnsville law-enforcement agencies.
Background & Context
The Hopkins location operated as an in-home daycare co-owned by the married couple who were killed. The facility was situated within their residence, with the daycare entrance located in the basement. A parent dropping off a child witnessed the unfolding violence and called police, prompting the rapid response.
Data & Statistics
- Fatalities: four (the husband, wife, daughter, and the 78-year-old woman).
- Injured: none reported among the children present.
- Children present: six, all unharmed and later returned to parents.
- Ages of victims: 41 (husband), 41 (wife), 7 (daughter), 78 (relative).
Official Statements & Responses
Hopkins Police Chief Brent Johnson said investigators believe the male suspect was the perpetrator and that there is no longer any threat to the public. He noted that the motive remains under investigation.
Burnsville Police Chief Matt Smith confirmed the Burnsville homicide is linked to the Hopkins deaths and emphasized that the incidents appear to involve the same family. He added that no ongoing threat has been identified.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey offered city resources to Hopkins and expressed solidarity with the affected families.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty stated her office is working with Hopkins Police and that the victim-services division is prepared to support those impacted.
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar described the event as “the ultimate tragedy,” highlighting concerns about domestic-violence warning signs.
On-the-Ground Reports
One resident called the scene “the most terrible thing,” reflecting the shock felt by the community.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Police have not established a definitive timeline linking the Burnsville stabbing to the Hopkins killings. Some officials indicated the Burnsville death may have occurred before the Hopkins incident, while others said the timeline remains unclear. The investigation continues to determine how the two events are connected and what, if any, prior warning signs existed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We do not have a motive,” — Chief Johnson
- “Our entire community is grieving the loss, unnecessarily, due to domestic violence,” — Brent Johnston, hopkins police chief
- “When tragedies like these happen, they affect entire communities,” — Burnsville Police Chief Matt
- “There's no worse scenario than this, where you drop off your child to somewhere you think is safe, and you get that phone call,” — Brent Johnson, chief
- “This is the most terrible thing” — Neighbor Kelly Shortenhaus
